Kolkata: Allegations of irregularities surfaced during the second and final phase of polling in West Bengal after voters and BJP leaders claimed that buttons on an electronic voting machine (EVM) were covered with tape, preventing votes from being cast for certain parties.
According to the BJP, the issue was reported in parts of Balta under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency in South 24 Parganas district. The party alleged that the button corresponding to the BJP symbol had been taped over, and that the CPI(M) button was also similarly covered.
BJP leader Amit Malviya shared a video related to the complaint, triggering widespread criticism and debate on social media. The Trinamool Congress rejected the allegations, saying the BJP was making false claims against it.
Responding to the complaint, West Bengal State Election Commissioner Manojkumar Agarwal said a re-poll had been ordered at the specific booth. He added that officials were instructed to verify related procedures, including ensuring the EVM is not damaged and checking indelible ink and voter documents.
Polling is being held across seven districts, covering 142 constituencies, with 1,448 candidates in the fray.
